Who ranks higher H2H Mike Tyson or Lennox Lewis?

[Tommo1]

Well some fool above claimed that Tyson was stylistiocally problematic for Lewis and Wlad because taller fighters found Tyson difficult when in fact the statistical evidence, you know the facts, prove that Tyson struggled immensely with opponents the taller and heavier they got. In fact Tyson never KO'd an opponent over 6'4" who wasn't a complete bum!

Back to h2h I agree that there is great chances prime Tyson could beat prime Lewis. Certainly prime Tyson would have beat Lewis at this time and of course prime Lewis would and did do in the Tyson of Lewis's time. I still edge prime Lewis to beat prime Tyson though given what evidence there is available.

I accept the counter arguments provided by the gentleman above as valid points.

[Simurgh]

Well some fool above claimed that Tyson was stylistiocally problematic for Lewis and Wlad because taller fighters found Tyson difficult when in fact the statistical evidence, you know the facts, prove that Tyson struggled immensely with opponents the taller and heavier they got. In fact Tyson never KO'd an opponent over 6'4" who wasn't a complete bum!

Back to h2h I agree that there is great chances prime Tyson could beat prime Lewis. Certainly prime Tyson would have beat Lewis at this time and of course prime Lewis would and did do in the Tyson of Lewis's time. I still edge prime Lewis to beat prime Tyson though given what evidence there is available.

I accept the counter arguments provided by the gentleman above as valid points.

I said tall, but what I meant was slower, less mobile fighters. My mistake.

I just don't think Lennox or Wlad would be able to dodge tyson's punches before they stop him and we know they don't have Vitali's chin.

But I agree Tyson's prime is very speculative thing as it lasted for a relatively short period.

[soul_survivor]

He beat an old Tyson.

Tyson wasn't prime when he fought Holyfield, he had just spent 3 years in prison, only fighting in 4 quick blowouts.

He beat ruddock but why would that be relevant to Tyson? Different style match up.

Yes if Douglas could beat Tyson Lewis could, but if Oliver McCall, tysons sparring partner could beat Lewis so could Tyson.

I find this a hard question to answer. On achievement Lewis is ranked higher and rightfully so. But Tyson and Lewis peaked and matured at completely different times. If they met before Tyson went to jail, Tyson by K.O. After jail I can't see a fight going any different to how it did. Maybe Tyson would be more competitive from around the first Holyfield fight but Lewis would still break him down to a late K.O. Prime for prime is hard to answer. Tyson seemed to struggle against taller fighters with a jab, but with the exception of Douglas (when he was grossly undertrained) he still found a way to convincingly win. Lewis had a great ring I.Q and always found a way to win, as proved in his rematches. I see this match as a toss up. I would slightly lean towards a prime Tyson because of his head movement and foot speed, I believe he would be able to get in range and catch Lewis cold, much like McCall did in the first fight.

I agree with a lot of what you're saying but I never agree when people make excuses for Tyson losing to Holyfield. First off, after his return to the ring, he boxed 4 times, yes they were "blow outs" but they weren't exactly against bums, they were against legit opponents or former champs.

You also have to look at Holyfield in that stage of his career, he had plenty of wars and suffered more physical damage in the ring in that time span than Tyson did throughout the entire decade. Holyfield had even been stopped by Bowe at that stage. The simple facts are that Holyfield was post-prime, his peak was at least 3 years earlier yet he didn't just outbox Tyson, he BEAT HIM UP. The bully who liked getting rid of guys early and couldn't hack it when real men fought back was scared in the last couple rounds, yes he bravely fought on but the look on his face was "wtf, this man is hitting me back". No excuses, Holyfield beat a very good version of Tyson and imo he would beat any version of Tyson.

In terms of this thread, h2h, against all former heavyweight champions, I think Lewis would have a better go of things but h2h, prime Tyson v Prime Lewis, I think Tyson stops Lewis mid way through the fight.

[yoz]

First, this belongs in Fantasy Fights. Second, its not even close. Tyson is incredibly overrated. Lewis wins, hands down

[Jedi Vader]

Although I don't rank Tyson's resume as high as Lennox's or Wlad's I think there is a good chance prime Tyson would TKO/KO both of them.

It's because of his style which is in my opinion very difficult for tall/slower men. I would give prime Vitali better chance of beating prime Tyson.

Tyson puts both Klits in a body bag.

[Simurgh]

Tyson puts both Klits in a body bag.

Would need to get a ladders though

[Alx.]

A 90s Iron Mike would definitely rank higher h2g, flawless defense and power.

[Jam Jars]

I said tall, but what I meant was slower, less mobile fighters. My mistake.

I just don't think Lennox or Wlad would be able to dodge tyson's punches before they stop him and we know they don't have Vitali's chin.

But I agree Tyson's prime is very speculative thing as it lasted for a relatively short period.

Stop mentioning Wlad with Lewis, Lewis was a far superior fighter than Wlad.

[Light_Speed]

If Douglas could beat a prime Tyson a prime Lewis would destroy Tyson

You sure you wanna play that game?

[K-DOGG]

I don't think there's any doubt both would have done well in any era. However, I would give the edge to Lewis because he was more versatile. The ATG's were not only skilled enough to beat Tyson, they would not be intimidated by him due to their own self-confidence. That one piece of the puzzle would be enough to undo Mike when the going got tough in those fights.

Lewis, on the other hand, didn't need you to be intimidated by him to succeed. I'm not saying he would have beaten the ATG's; but he would beat more of them than Tyson, IMHO. Lewis could win a decision in a tough fight, Mike had a tendency to fade and get out-boxed or plain old whooped if he didn't get you in the first 4 or 5.